Chortle's Opinions section is an arena for fans to share their views on any aspect of comedy.
We invite general comment pieces about particular aspects of the comedy scene (although reviews of individual shows or performers tend not to be suited to this section except in very rare circumstances). Contributions should be at least 500 words in length, in a similar tone to something you might read in a broadsheet newspaper, and emailed to steve@chortle.co.uk
We reserve the right to edit pieces – although we will be careful not to change the meaning of anything – or not to use them at all. By submitting an article you grant Chortle indefinite licence to use it freely; though you retain the copyright on it to use it elsewhere.
© NBC Part one, the sketches. By Lorcan Mullan
17/04/2025 … It should come as no surprise that Sky announcing a British version of the 50-year American institution Saturday Night Live was greeted with the usual ‘American…
...but only if we don't try to be a carbon copy of the original, says Burt Williamson
12/04/2025 … So, the American late-night TV juggernaut, Saturday Night Live is coming to the UK.
By comedian and designer William Stone
02/04/2025 … We all know as performers that no matter how good, original, and groundbreaking your show is, it doesn't matter if no one comes to see it.
06/03/2025 … My friends and I are all job-stealing immigrants.
© Pamela Raith By Paul Hendy, writer of West End show The Last Laugh
06/03/2025 … Just a few weeks ago, Robbie Williams confessed that he cried ‘happy, childlike tears’ after making the winning bid for Eric Morecambe's glasses…
© Oliver Double 04/03/2025 … Tony Allen, the sharp-suited acerbic opinionated incisive much-loved and often much-dreaded ‘godfather of alternative comedy’, was born on this day, March…
Luke McGibbon's tips on learning from a death without dwelling on it
02/03/2025 … The comedian Sarah Millican once coined the 11 o’clock rule, which basically advises that however good or bad a gig has been, you have to stop thinking about…
Kate-Lois Elliott calls for comedy to be treated like theatre
20/02/2025 … I'm about to take my debut show on tour.
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